HOLYOKE — During summer months, bicycle riders are eager to don their helmets and pedal. There are some important safety precautions that should be taken into account before anyone starts pedaling along their merry way.

The first step is to check to make sure your bike is in proper working condition. This step is crucial because our bikes could be in need of a tune up, whether they are used frequently or have been sitting for a few months.

The most important items to check in this first step are the tires, brakes, handle bar, seat, chains and gears. You should check to make sure your tires have no punctures in them and are properly inflated, your brakes are working properly, your handle bar and seat are set to the specific height you need, and your chains and gears are not rusted and in need of replacement.

The bicycle check should be the first thing you do before going on your ride.
The second step to a safe bike ride is safety on the ride itself. In order to have a safe bike ride, it is important to remember a few key things.

One important step as a bike rider is to use your turning signals. This is especially imperative on busy roads. Turning signals allow drivers to know exactly what you are doing so they can avoid hitting you on accident. Turning signals can help avoid disasters on the road and keep bike rides safe.

It is also important to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. You should never ride into oncoming traffic while biking.

There are some extra steps you should take if children are going to a part of any bike ride.

The first step remains the same: check the bike to make sure it is properly outfitted with working equipment. Depending on the child's age and biking experience extra equipment may be needed. Some of this extra equipment could include elbow pads, knee pads, helmets and training wheels. These extra pieces of safety equipment provide the children and their parents with a greater sense of comfort on the bike ride.

It is also crucial when young children are part of any bike ride to make sure you pick your route with care. You want to pick a bike route that is not in a heavy traffic area.

Bike paths are a safe places that children and adults can enjoy bike rides this summer. Bike paths are usually secluded from car traffic which makes them a safer alternative than roadways. Bike paths are great places for young children to learn to ride in a more secure environment.

We are lucky to live in an area with many bike paths, including the Manhan Rail Trail, Northampton Bike Path and Norwottuck Trail. Information about bike paths in your area can be found at http://massbike.org/

The Greater Holyoke YMCA was founded in 1886. William Morgan, the physical education director at the Holyoke YMCA, first introduced the sport of volleyball at the Y in 1895. In 2007 over 4,600 people participated in Y-operated programs and services from Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby and surrounding communities.

For information on Holyoke YMCA programs, call the Y at (413) 534-5631 or visit www.holyokeymca.org